Out of Bounds: An Exhibition by Artists in Custody

Out of Bounds features work by artists in custody at the California State Prison in Los Angeles.

Frieze Projects curators, Rita Gonzalez and Pilar Tompkins Rivas visited the art studio at the California State Prison where they met with each artist in the show, and worked with the members of the studio to select work that represented their stories and experience.

The art studio at the facility was founded in 2009 by the men in custody as a way to give back, and remains the only studio of its kind in the state. Artwork created in the studio

is donated to local nonprofits to use for fundraising activities through sales and auctions.

There is no formal artistic training in the facility— the artists learn through teaching each other and passing down techniques from person to person. Since its inception, the program has been completely self-funded by the artists in custody. The studio and art program have proven to be healing for the men as they continue to come together as a community to teach each other and give back to organizations in need.

Out of Bounds is presented by the Endeavor Foundation works and could not have been possible without assistance from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), an organization that empowers formerly and currently incarcerated people to thrive by providing a support network, comprehensive services, and opportunities to advocate for policy change.